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Syphon Filter 3 Q&A

We sit down with Syphon Filter 3's producer, and he gives us the skinny on the upcoming PlayStation sequel.

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Though the stream is steadily thinning, the PlayStation is receiving a handful of triple-A titles this year. Syphon Filter 3--Sony's own contribution to the console's swan song--is due out in late September, and the company hopes that the console's 70-million-odd worldwide users will appreciate the release of a substantial app. The game will delve into the story established by the first two installments in the series by focusing on the early exploits of Gabe Logan and Lian Xing, the mysterious Agency's now-fugitive operatives.

Sony promises more weapons, fresh scenarios, and a focus on straightforward combat-oriented gameplay. A retooled multiplayer mode is also in the works, as are a selection of minigames and some new playable characters. We were curious about how all this will pan out, of course, so we grilled Darren Yager, and John Koller at Sony--the game's producer, and product manager, respectively--about the aforementioned elements. Read on, and learn what to expect.

GameSpot: What does the game's story focus on this time around?

SCEA: Syphon Filter 3 focuses on Gabe Logan and Lian Xing, exiled agents from the top-secret Agency, attempting to clear their name while being tried in the Senate for crimes they didn't commit. While they're trying to prove their innocence, the Syphon Filter virus is secretly being unleashed on unsuspecting targets throughout the world. Gabe and Lian Xing must work against time to prevent worldwide catastrophe and discover who is creating global terror. The game is designed as a retrospective, thus, as Gabe and Lian Xing recount their adventures in pursuit of the virus, players will play levels and situations from the agents' past, all while attempting to figure out the Agency's plans for the future.

In many gun-oriented action games, sniping proves the icing the cake.
In many gun-oriented action games, sniping proves the icing the cake.

GS: What are the major gameplay differences between Syphon Filter 3 and its predecessors?

SCEA: When we first started working on Syphon Filter 3, our goal was to really enhance the gameplay experience. We've returned the game to its original Syphon Filter roots...with lots more action and a bit less stealth gameplay. Syphon Filter fans have always been action-oriented gamers, and we really wanted to place them within an edge-of-your-seat action thriller. There is a huge arsenal of weapons to use, including all-new weapons such as an X-ray gun, explosive-round shotguns, proximity mines, and a concealable submachine gun, as well as old favorites like the grenade launcher, night vision rifle, and taser. Players will also be able to play as several characters in the game, to take advantage of different gameplay situations. Additionally, we've added minigames and an enhanced two-player mode to provide more opportunities to take down terrorists. Overall, Syphon fans will be thrilled to play Syphon Filter 3.

GS: You mentioned that we'll be able to play as other operatives in the game. Can you explain this feature in greater detail?

SCEA: Players will be able to play as a variety of characters depending on the level and situation. They include Gabe and Lian Xing, Lawrence Mujari (a freelance biochemical expert), and maybe a few surprises.

Lawrence Mujari in action.
Lawrence Mujari in action.

GS: Care to talk about any particulars on the new weapons you mentioned, such as proximity mines and all-new rifles?

SCEA: When we met to discuss our goals for the next version of Syphon Filter, we wanted to add the coolest and most lethal weaponry to Gabe and Lian Xing's arsenal. It's not Syphon Filter without awesome weapons, and this version is no different. We've added a ton of new weapons, which I mentioned previously, but we also wanted to keep the best weapons from the past Syphon Filter games, such as the taser, night vision rifle, sniper rifle, and G-18 machine pistol.

GS: Has the AI area been refined for the new game?

SCEA: We have worked hard in creating extremely intelligent enemy AI. Terrorists will hear your movements and noises and react accordingly. The team also improved the head-shot capabilities, both for agents and terrorists.

GS: Has the team learned any new graphical tricks to take advantage of the PlayStation's capabilities? How will they improve Syphon Filter's overall look?

SCEA: Because this is the third iteration in this popular franchise, the team has really tried to take advantage of everything the PlayStation has to offer. Thus, you'll be seeing more special effects in the game, including all-new weapon effects. We've also been able to work in more items onscreen, which allows for a more intense experience. Players will also find that the terrain is much more detailed than in past Syphon Filter games, which really helps us, since the game plays through so many unique international environments.

Gabe Logan sporting classic gear.
Gabe Logan sporting classic gear.

GS: How much time can we expect to spend with the single-player game?

SCEA: There are about 25-30 hours of gameplay in the single-player version, but the two-player mode and minigames offer many more hours of gunplay.

GS: Can you talk more about the multiplayer mode? How has it been improved since the last game? What types of subgames will it feature?

SCEA: We were excited to launch the two-player mode on Syphon Filter 2, but we really wanted to enhance the mode in Syphon Filter 3. We've created a lot of unique sniper posts to prevent the one-on-one shoot-outs that tended to develop in Syphon 2. We really want to emphasize sniper shots and more strategic play. To assist players with this, we've developed a stronger weapon theme, including the addition of gas grenades. The two-player mode again encompasses 10 different arenas based on the single-player game, as well as some older levels from past Syphon games. We'll keep those a secret until you play them!

GS: Can you go into some detail about the minigames? What purposes will they serve? How will they play?

SCEA: The minigames were designed to take the best features of Syphon and create everything from full-out assaults, to assassinations, to becoming a thief, to offering cover fire. These are entirely separate from the main game, but they offer absolutely thrilling gunplay. With the addition of minigames, gamers should prepare for even more action-filled thrills!

GS: Why did the team decide that the PlayStation was ideal platform for the third Syphon Filter game? Why not the PS2?

SCEA: There were a few reasons that we wanted to launch Syphon Filter 3 on the PlayStation, not the least of which was the huge installed base that the system has. The strength of this console is unmatched, and we wanted to assure this huge market (where the past two Syphon Filters made their mark) that we weren't going to walk away from them. But from a game perspective, it was a matter of timing. A Syphon Filter 3 launch on the PlayStation 2 would take a few years to create, and we didn't feel comfortable waiting this long before creating another Syphon Filter game for our always-eager target market.

The world as seen through night-vision goggles.
The world as seen through night-vision goggles.

GS: Is there a PS2 installment in the works? Care to divulge any details?

SCEA We can't release anything right now, but the Syphon Filter franchise is a big seller for us and has tons of great fans. You can be sure that we are looking at all avenues to extend the franchise.

GS: Do you have anything else you'd like to add about the game? Something to tell the fans of the series?

SCEA: With the addition of all-new weapons, a thrilling action-packed storyline, new playable characters, minigames, and an enhanced two-player mode, we are tremendously excited to launch Syphon Filter 3 in September. Fans of the franchise get to once again become trained assassins in pursuit of the virus...and they get the chance to take down the Agency once and for all!

GS: Thanks much for your time!

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